How to Give Back without Spending Money

Posted on 05/02/2016

There are many types of giving back in the world. Sometimes, that means giving money to your favorite organization or cause. However, giving isn’t always about opening your wallet to show your support.

Living an altruistic life can happen any time you put a little extra thought into your day. Check out these ways that you can show the world you care without using money to do it.

Pick Up the Phone
We all have busy lives and it’s easy to forget to keep in touch with people. Make a list of those you haven’t chatted with in a while and schedule out at least 10 minutes a week. That’s truthfully all it will take. Call up one person on your list each week and simply tell them that you’re thinking about them and some good qualities that you admire in their friendship. This tactic will help you understand why each friendship is so meaningful.

Hold the Door Open
Take the time to stop and smell the roses; or in this case, to stop and make sure you hold doors for anybody coming up behind you. Easy enough, right? A few seconds waiting to hold the door aren’t going to slow you down any, and you’ll be happy to see the reactions of others. It’s that simple!

Smile at a Stranger
Laughter really is the best medicine. It’s not always easy to keep a smile on if you’re having a bad day. Next time you’re feeling like you could use a lift, try something as simple as smiling at somebody and making eye contact. It’s a proven method to help boost your spirits, as well as somebody else’s.

Literally Lend a Hand
See somebody struggling to carry a heavy load? Literally lend them a hand. That could mean carrying their groceries or helping to clean up the yard. If you have the capability to provide added assistance, don’t take that for granted. There are plenty of people who can’t do regular activities that you might not think of. Seek them out and it will make a world of difference in their day.

Send Snail Mail
When texts are easy to send and emails come at us all day, there’s something special about receiving a message in a different way. Handwritten snail-mail used to be the norm, but these days it has fallen behind. However, that makes it all the more special. Take some time to surprise somebody with a handwritten note to show them you care.